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Abstract

The regulation of casinos in Austria is unique because of the gambling monopoly vested into the Austrian Government by the Gambling Act. By law and regulation, casino operations and politics are uniquely intertwined in Austria. The Ministry of Finance is the sole federal gambling authority and responsible not only for the distribution of casino licenses but also for the implementation of measures to protect gamblers and prevent money laundering and fraud in casinos. On the surface, the design of this system appears to be set up for conflicts of interest to arise.

This article critically outlines the evolution and operation of Austria’s laws relating to casinos, drawing particular attention to the concerns arising from political participation and interference in Austria’s casino industry and the federal Ministry of Finance’s obligation to regulate casino operations and raise taxes whilst protecting problem gamblers and other vulnerable groups. The article first explains the historical development of casino gambling in Austria, outlines the legal framework of the State’s gambling monopoly, before turning to the licensing procedure and governance of Austrian casinos, and lastly to regulations concerning the protection of casino gamblers. The article closes with a summary of observations and a reflection on the way ahead.

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